The proposed bill would amend current statutes regarding the service of process in court-ordered evaluations and treatments. Under current law, personal service of required documents must be completed by a peace officer, process server, or another person authorized by the Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure. The bill would allow for an employee of a screening or evaluation agency to serve these documents if the proposed patient is admitted to such an agency at the time the petition is filed. Additionally, it would broaden the scope of who can serve documents by allowing individuals prescribed by law or court rule to do so, rather than limiting it to those authorized by the Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that counties, cities, or towns can contract with screening or evaluation agencies to provide service of process instead of relying solely on peace officers. It also specifies that evaluation and screening agencies are not financially responsible for serving these documents, and they may only receive reimbursement for such services through a contract with a county. Overall, these changes aim to streamline the process of serving documents in mental health evaluations and treatments while ensuring that the agencies involved are not burdened with financial responsibilities for these services.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-510.01
Senate Engrossed Version: 36-510.01
House Engrossed Version: 36-510.01